"We have 53 species of breeding birds, 500 species of moths and several hundred species of plants. 83 species of water beetles have been recorded so far, " he said.

BBC: Norfolk - From scrubland to wildlife haven

At one time or another, indigenous people in tropical Africa and South America knew how to cultivate and prepare nutritious food by selective breeding of as many as 30, 000 species of plants.

ECONOMIST: Growth and geography

Isolated populations of plants and animals could establish genetic contact with larger communities, creating healthier and more resilient breeding pools.

BBC: Florida��s newest wildlife refuge